SEN - Sene among the reinforcements

DAKAR (AfroBasket/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - It took longer than anticipated, but Mouhamed Saer Sene has at last linked up with Senegal's national side ahead of the AfroBasket in Cote d'Ivoire.

A 2.11m center who spent the past couple of seasons in Spain with Fuenlabrada, Sene is a player the African team need on a frontline that has looked suspect in the rebounding, blocked shots and scoring departments early in the preparations.

The 27-year-old shot to fame in 2006 when the then Seattle Supersonics selected him with the 10th pick in the NBA Draft.

After signing with the club, Sene received little playing time and eventually left when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder.

He has only just penned a two-year contract with Antibes in France's top flight.

Senegal had wanted Sene from the start of the preparations.

"What you must understand is that I had some very important things to settle and that prevented me from answering the call of the coach," Sene said.

"I had no choice. I am a professional. I know the importance of the national team.

"But there are obligations that we must fulfill when we reach a certain level. During this time, I was in constant contact with my agent.

"I had to sign my contract to join the club of Antibes. It's done, so I had the green light from my agent to join the national team."

Senegal, who are coached by Cheikh Sarr, will face tournament hosts Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt and Algeria in group play at the Afrobasket.

Sene says he is determined to make an impact with the team.

"I am 200% motivated to compete with Senegal," he said.

"It is a personal challenge. Besides, I have decided to come not just to play but especially to win the Afrobasket with the team from Senegal."

Senegal have also been boosted by the late arrivals of Mansour Kasse and Malick Badiane, and American-based Hamady Ndiaye and Ibrahima Thomas.

The country's best finish at an AfroBasket was in 2005, when it claimed a silver medal and qualified for the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.

To reach next year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, the team will need a top-three finish in Abidjan.

Senegal have friendly games against Tunisia, Mali and Morocco from 9-11 August.

FIBA